WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- The Washington Youth Choir performed live in the circle outside of the station on Wednesday during the 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscast in spirit of the holidays.

The origins of the choir began in 1972 when music teacher Joyce Garrett took direction of the Eastern High School Choir. The choir won a silver trophy at the 1988 International Youth and Music Festival in Vienna, Austria. That achievement led graduating choir members to be offered full tuition scholarships to the University of the District of Colombia.

In 1995, the Eastern Choral Society, a non-profit organization, offered its support to the choir and in its activities. Ten years later, the non-profit created the 'Washington Youth Choir' to help DC-area kids and their educational needs. The Washington Youth Choir officially launched in 2006 and resides at the Calvary Baptist Church in Northwest D.C.

The Washington Youth Choir is a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax exempt. Donations can be made via their website or checks can be made out to Washington Youth Choir and mailed to 1700 East Capitol St. NE Washington, DC 20003.

For anyone wishing to join WYC: They rehearse 3 days a week; Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at Eastern High School.